2012 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · FG62 LNN

The 2012 Nissan Note has demonstrated a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance history, with the most recent MOT test on 17 October 2025—just under nine months ago—showing no defects despite 89,537 miles. However, the preceding test cycle reveals a troubling pattern of suspension and braking issues, particularly in October 2024, where three critical failures were recorded: excessive wear on the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint, a faulty front track rod end, and pitted front brake discs. While the 2023 and 2022 tests were clean, the 2024 failures suggest a failure to address underlying suspension degradation, as similar components (the offside front suspension arm pin/bush) were flagged in 2022 but not resolved. The latest pass in 2025 implies either temporary fixes or a temporary improvement, but the unresolved nature of these faults raises serious doubts about long-term reliability. The mileage progression of 6,396 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gap between tests—consistently 12 months—does not reveal any extended periods of neglect. The jump from 71,668 to 74,228 miles between October 2023 and October 2024 (2,560 miles in a year) is modest, while the subsequent 5,319 miles in the following year (to 89,537) suggests no abrupt deterioration in driving habits. However, the repeated suspension and brake failures indicate that mileage alone does not account for the vehicle’s condition, as critical components were clearly overlooked or improperly maintained. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the front suspension, particularly the offside anti-roll bar linkage, track rod ends, and mounting bushes, as these were repeatedly flagged and likely deteriorated further. The front brake discs, while not seriously weakened in 2024, may now require closer examination for uneven wear or scoring after nearly 15,000 additional miles. Structural integrity should also be assessed, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounts, as corrosion or fatigue could exacerbate existing weaknesses. Given the history, independent verification of whether the 2024 failures were genuinely addressed—rather than merely passed with minor adjustments—is essential.